Reasons to choose an appraisal from Astute Appraisals, Inc.Thousands of people in Maryland purchase, sell or refinance their home every year. Most of these transactions have a simple line item for an appraisal. Almost all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that might seem more economical than an appraisal. Is securing a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there more instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy? Of course there are. 
Appeal your tax assessmentIf you reside in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Astute Appraisals, Inc. is your best evidence when building your case. At Astute Appraisals, Inc., we're equipped to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. Eliminating PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance policy that most lenders ask homebuyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. This extra payment is often folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI becomes unnecessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to do away with PMI, Astute Appraisals, Inc. will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the home valuation can generally be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Astute Appraisals, Inc. Order todayDivorce settlement with less stressA divorce is a very horrible ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often more complicated by the troublesome decision of who keeps the property. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Astute Appraisals, Inc. so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property. The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they want to sell the home. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair assessment. Ascertain a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidationThe loss of a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. We guarantee the highest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these affairs, unlike wealthier individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal. Relocate to or from Howard County through an employee relocation programEmployee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed inspection. Sell your home promptly — at an accurate priceWhether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, apart from real estate agents. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine what improvements will add value and what an applicable sales price is for your home so you don't come up short or have your house on the market an unnecessarily long time, because we're experts in knowing how long properties stay on the market. 
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